About Mikhail Baryshnikov:
Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov is a Russian-American dancer, choreographer, and actor born in the Soviet Union, often cited alongside Vaslav Nijinsky and Rudolf Nureyev as one of the greatest ballet dancers in history. After a promising start in the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad, he defected to Canada in 1974 for more opportunities in western dance. After freelancing with many companies, he joined the New York City Ballet as a principal dancer to learn George Balanchine's style of movement. He then danced with the American Ballet Theatre, where he later became artistic director.
I spend at least a couple hours a day in the studio, every day, whether I'm dancing or not.
Mikhail BaryshnikovNow there is in a way a renaissance of modern dance - suddenly, it is more respected and discovered.
Mikhail BaryshnikovWhen I see people on the street, I look at how they walk. It's like a signature, a fingerprint.
Mikhail BaryshnikovChoreographers use me as the old guy who still dances. Not that I put on white tights.
Mikhail BaryshnikovAstaire was not a sexual animal, but he made his partners look so extraordinarily related to him.
Mikhail BaryshnikovI want to do exactly what I want to do. I'd rather gamble on the box office than beg for a grant.
Mikhail Baryshnikov